17th Century Hand-Colored Engraving of Scenes of Roman Life by Pietro Bartoli

A large, nicely-framed Italian hand-colored engraving in tones of terracotta and black (17th century, with more recent matte and frame) by Pietro Bartoli. The engraving depicts the mosaic ceiling in the church of Santa Costanza outside of Rome, which was studied by the ecclesiatical archaeologist Giovanni Ciampini. The mosaic ceiling no longer exists, but is known through various depictions of the artwork, such as this engraving. The images include Christian imagery including the sacrifice of Cain and Abel and possibly Noah building the ark. The upper row of mosaics is believed to represent scenes from the New Testament, with caryatids dividing the ceiling into twelve segments. The engraving is captioned in Latin: "Opus Musiuum olim in tholo Templi, quod vulgo creditur Bacchi, nunc Sancte Constantie extra Portam Piam cariatides, et Telamones in duodecium dividant Segmenta, ubi plura autumnales ferias, et piscationis Genium demostrant, iuxta interpretionem Ciampini qui mediatatem exhibet Veterum monum." In the 17th century, the church of Santa Costanza was known as the "Temple of Bacchus," and was the site of rowdy Bacchic festivals until Pope Clement XI banned the rites in 1720. Pietro Santo...

Louis XVI period parcel-gilt and polychrome trumeau mirror with a painting of Venus ringed by putti. Venus and putti are framed in a gilded oval frame with ...

Italian Neo-Classic Style (19th Century) Rust and Black Hand Colored Print 4 corner design in square black and gold trim frame (TABULA XX) (similar...

Early 17th century, French hand colored equestrian engraving. After Antoine de Pluvinel (French, 1552-1620), "Henry IV, Mounted", figure 42 from "L'Instruction du Roy en l'Exercice de Monter a Cheval", c. 1625, matted and framed under UF-3 plexiglass (blocks approx. 97% of UV) , gallery label verso. Figures from this publication have sold at Christie's. Those were not hand colored. A highly detailed engraving with the French King Henry 1V the central figure. Mounted on horseback, Le Roy (the King) is watched by no less than 10 courtiers some of whom are mounted on horseback, all of which are named in the engraving. Antoine de Pluvinel (1552, Crest, Dauphine - 24 August 1620) was the first of the French riding masters, and has had great influence on modern dressage. He wrote L’Instruction du Roy en L'exercice de Monter à Cheval ("instruction of the King in the art of riding"), was tutor to King Louis XIII, and is credited with the invention of using two pillars, as well as using shoulder-in to increase suppleness. In 1594, Pluvinel founded the "Academie d'Equitation" near what is now Place des Pyramides. There, the French nobility was trained not only in horsemanship, but also in all the accomplishments (dancing, fashionable dressing, etc.) It can be said that Pluvinel's influence on the aristocracy lasted from the late 16th century to the 17th century. Richelieu, the future Prime Minister of King Louis XIII attended the Academie; so did William, Duke of Cavendish. Pluvinel's book was published posthumously by the Flemish engraver Crispijn van de Passe II and the royal valet de chambre...